Today’s Meditation

From The Upper Room The World’s Most Widely Read Daily Devotional Guide

Read Ephesians 2:4-10

You have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator.

- Colossians 3:9-10 (NRSV)

In mid-December, a couple came into the gift shop where I work. As I helped them, I also commented on the woman’s beautiful coat. After we chatted a few moments, the couple continued to browse. Soon the man approached me with his wife’s coat and asked me to try it on. When I told him I couldn’t do that, he announced, “This is for you! Merry Christmas!” He thrust it at me; and the couple made a quick getaway, before I could find out their names or even thank them. This experience with extravagant generosity caused me to reflect on God’s gift of salvation. The coat was a gift. I had done nothing to deserve it. God gives us the greatest gift, salvation through Jesus Christ, which cannot be earned. Also, I realized that in a way similar to how I removed my old coat to put on the new, we take off our old sinful nature to have it replaced with the nature of Christ. I realized anew that because of Christ, I can go out into life’s storms with confidence, just as I can go out into the winter weather, knowing that my new coat will keep me warm. Read more from Rebecca on The Upper Room blog today.

Rebecca Seaton

(Tennessee, USA)

Thought for the Day: Salvation is the best gift of all.

Prayer: God of mercy and grace, thank you for surprising us with your goodness. Thank you for the best gift of all, salvation given through your son Jesus Christ. Amen.